Coolinary New Orleans — August ushers in the arrival of Coolinary New Orleans, with dining deals at highbrow establishments across the city. Lunches typically run about $20 per plate, while dinners clock in at $35. Dinners at GW Fins (808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467; www.gwfins.com) are always a particular standout. Various locations; www.coolinaryneworleans.com

Coquette lunch special — The $23 three-course lunch at Coquette allows diners to sample from a range of the restaurant's fresh, locally sourced dishes such as pork and mustard green gumbo with new potato salad. 2800 Magazine St., 504-265-0421; www.coquettenola.com

Luke express menu — Offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the "express menu" at Luke features a specialty entree of the day (from lemongrass shrimp meatballs to Tabasco honey fried chicken) paired with a soup for $17. 333 St. Charles Ave., 504-378-2840; www.lukeneworleans.com